Online for Authors Episode 11-26-24

​A Curator’s Journey: A Memoir Of a Colorful Life with Author Jack Maher

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jack Maher, author of the book Poppy. Jack is a proud fifth generation Colorado native and grandson of Eric Douglas. Poppy is his first novel. A four-time National Television Arts & Sciences Heartland Chapter Emmy winner, he worked at KUSA-TV in Denver as a 9NEWS Multimedia Journalist and Executive Producer.

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I just had the most fascinating conversation with Jack Maher, author of the novel Poppy. This book is a treasure trove, shedding light on a little-known piece of Colorado history - the story of one of the early founders of the Denver Art Museum's Native Arts Department.

Jack's grandfather, Eric Douglas, along with Eric's father, pioneered groundbreaking work at the museum. They ventured out into the Great Southwest, connecting with tribal artists who were crafting beautiful works that had yet to receive the appreciation they deserved within the museum world. Eric, affectionately known as "Poppy", not only brought these incredible Native American artworks to the forefront, but also revolutionized the very methods museums used to showcase art, many of which are still in practice today.

Poppy is a family memoir that reads like an intimate biography. As Jack peeled back the layers of his grandfather's life through prolific letters, oral histories, and even a rare audio recording, what emerged was a portrait of a man deeply passionate about elevating and preserving Native American art and culture. From staging innovative "Indian Fashion Shows" to forging meaningful connections with artists like the revered Hopi potter Nampeyo, Poppy's tireless efforts helped break stereotypes and foster appreciation.

Though Jack admits he didn't know much about this part of his family history growing up, diving into the research for this book became a profound journey of discovery. Grief-stricken after suddenly losing his wife, Jack channeled that emotion into bringing Poppy's story to life, ensuring this inspiring legacy would live on for generations to come.

If you love getting lost in the pages of history, especially the kind that hits close to home, I highly recommend adding Poppy to your reading list. It's a beautiful reminder of the power one person's passion can have in shaping our understanding and appreciation of art, culture, and each other.

If you'd like a chance to win a digital copy of Poppy, head over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook to enter. As always, thanks for being part of this bookish community. I'm continually in awe of the stories we get to discover and share together.

Purchase Poppy on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3zrsZHQ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3TxsXFb

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.